Vikram in 19th Step?

A few days back, it was speculated that Vikram might be roped in for 19th Step, directed by Bharat Bala. Now, unconfirmed reports indicate that a meeting did take place between the star and the director, so this rumour could well come true. Vikram is truly excited that his Kanthaswamy will be released soon. He is also working on Raavan with ace director Mani Ratnam.
There have been no press meets or major announcements regarding this, but it is believed that director Bharat Bala is doing deep research on the topic and does not want any controversies, especially with a period film. He is consulting with writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair and wants to make it as authentic as he can!
Bharat Bala is credited with the success of Vande Mataram music videos which he filmed during India's 50th year of Independence. 19th Step will have A.R. Rahman teaming up with Bharat Bala once again after several years!
19th Step is produced by Walt Disney Productions, and has Asin and Tadanobu Asano in lead roles. Kamal Haasan is also said to be in the cast, but there has been no confirmation yet. Has Kamal opted out of the project? Is he teaming up with Murugadoss for a Bollywood flick? These are some questions that keep lingering!


Courtesy: galatta.com

Kamal to teach Asin Martial arts

In what can be considered as a big step towards international recognition for Indian film artistes and technicians, Walt Disney will be producing The 19th Step, which will consist of many Indians behind and on the screen. Indian cinema’s fastest rising star Asin will be paired with Japanese superstar Tadanobu Asanno, an internationally acclaimed actor. She will be playing a princess in the movie. What makes the cast even more exciting is the presence of Kamal Haasan. He will be seen as Asin’s martial arts mentor in a high impact cameo.

What more! The film will be directed by Bharathbala known for his stirring picturization of song videos, especially Rahman’s Vande Mataram. Speaking of Rahman, he has been given the responsibility of scoring the music for the movie. And, India’s other Oscar winner Resul Pookutty will be present in the sound engineering department. So, it is one heavily loaded Indian line up that will be making its presence felt in an international project. We saw what appropriate international exposure can get us when Slumdog Millionaire brought home two Oscars. This time round, we have the legendary Kamal as Indian cinema’s ambassador. Wishing all success to the team of The 19th Step. Neil Armstrong once said ‘a small step for a man, but a giant leap for mankind’. Let’s hope that the following thought turns out true, ‘The 19th Step for Walt Disney, a giant leap for Indian cinema’.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Asin not in 'Marma Yogi'

Denying all the speculations which were saying that Asin would once again share the screen with Kamal Haasan for a cameo role in 'Marma Yogi', the actress has now confirmed that there is no fact in it. The talented actress who has reached incredible heights in her career co-stars with Salman khan and Ajay Devgan in 'London Dreams' and she has been back to Mumbai recently after completing the shoot for the film for 45 days in London and Paris. Asin's next venture includes 'The 19th step', produced by Walt Disney, which would have Kamal Haasan and acclaimed Japanese actor Tadanobu. This multi-lingual film which is to be made in Tamil, English and Japanese will be directed by Bharat Bala who has made hundreds of classic commercials and also has directed acclaimed music videos including 'Vande Mataram' and 'Pray for me brother' of Maestro A.R.Rahman. 'The 19th step' will be the first Indian film on martial arts; it speaks about 'Kalaripayattu', which is claimed to be the source of all Oriental martial art forms. And what is foremost interesting is Asin plays the role of a Japanese princess that can even turn other actresses green with envy. Asin is sure going places!

Courtesy: indiaglitz.com

Disney foray into film production in India

The Walt Disney Company (India) on Tuesday announced its plans to independently produce four live action films. These will include The 19th Step with Kamal Haasan and Asin, to be directed by Bharat Bala, andZokkomon with the Taare Zameen Par whiz-kid Darsheel Safari, to be directed by Satyajit Bhatkal.

It was Bhatkal who wrote The Spirit of Lagaan and directed Chale Chalo, the documentary on the making of Lagaan.

Mahesh Samat, managing director of the company, told The Hindu that this was in addition to its co-production arrangement with Yash Raj Films.

On the eve of the audio launch of the Disney-Yash Raj Films maiden co-production Roadside Romeo, the animation feature directed by Jugal Hansraj with voice by Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor, Mr. Samat said the company was collaborating with Yash Raj Films for one more animation film.

On Zokkomon, he said: “It’s a family film driven by a great story. We should be starting work on it by the end of this year.”

The 19th Step will be a lavish production with an Indo-Japanese cast. “This is an interesting film because it’s a multilingual which will primarily be in Tamil and it is one of those unique films that will potentially be a global film. It’s got some elements of martial arts. We are proud to be associated with Kamal Haasan and A.R. Rahman.”

Disney’s foray into film production in India has been triggered by the size of the market. Mr. Samat said: “With 3.6 billion movie admissions a year, it’s a remarkable figure. With the value of movie admissions going up from Rs.25 to Rs.80 in five years, we are talking about a $7 billion box office. Disney has a huge amount of expertise in telling stories and building a franchise around the characters.”

“We are about creating products that take the story beyond the story,” said Roshni Bakshi, regional director, Disney Consumer Products. A whole range of products that will take the Roadside Romeo franchise to the consumer will reach the retail market by mid-October, two weeks before the film’s Deepavali release.

Courtesy: hindu.com

Kamal and Asin in Walt Disney film!

Bharath Bala and his Bharath Bala Productions (BBP) who makes television commercials, documentaries and music videos have now tied up with Walt Disney to produce a feature film in English. The martial arts film titled 19 Steps, will feature Kamal Hassan, Japanese superstar Tadanobu Asano, and Asin in the lead roles. It will be directed by Bharath Bala and will have music by A.R Rahman.

Remember Bala and Rahman combo have produced the unforgettable music video documentaries like Jana Gana Mana and Vande Mataram.

Bala's film is based on a script written by the best known writer in Malayalam M.T Vasudevan Nair or MT as he is popularly known, a Jnanpith award winner who has won five National awards for screenplay writing.

This period film deals with Kalaripayattu the martial arts form from Kerala and will trace its roots to the ninth century.

MT, the 75 year old literary giant has written on Kerala folklores and warlords in films like Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha and is now the script writer of Hariharan directed Pazhassi Raja, the costliest Malayalam film ever, a historical featuring Mammootty and Sarath Kumar.

MT's script is now being re-written by Hollywood script doctors to give 19 Steps an international look and suitable for an overseas audience.

In the film Kamal plays a character role of a veteran Kalaripayattu guru who trains Tadanobu Asano in his fight against his enemies. Asin will play a local princess and a martial arts expert who falls in love with Asano.

The shooting of the $ 50 million film is likely to start in the summer of 2009, and Walt Disney wants a fusion of Japanese and Indian martial arts in the film.

It will have versions in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Japanese. Recently Bharat Bala told a tabloid "It's too early to disclose anything. Currently we are in the midst of negotiations."

Courtesy: sify.com

Kamal with Tadanobu Asano

Kamal Haasan, one of the most talented actors and filmmakers in the world, is all set to share screen space with Japanese superstar Tadanobu Asano in an Indo-Japanese film, slated to be made on a 50-million dollar budget. Tadanobu Asano, one of the superstars in Japan right now, has acted in over 50 films, including the recent Mongol which broke all box-office records.


Produced and directed by Bharatbala, the film will trace the origins of the martial art form of Kerala, Kalarippayattu. It is heard that the movie will be evolved in the backdrop of the ninth century.

Currently, research is underway to fine-tune the factual elements of Kalarippayattu which is as old as the great Indian philosophy and the Vedas. It is rooted deep in the Vedic culture of India. It is considered by many as the most comprehensive of all the martial traditions.

According to sources, Kamal Haasan is very excited about this film with Bharatbala. However, Kamal's participatin of the film is not confirmed yet as he is abroad. Although the lead lady of the film is yet to be finalized, it is heard that the film makers are looking for a heroine with an athletic build.

The film, which is expected to go on floors some time next year, will be made in Hindi, Tamil and Japanese. Music director A.R. Rahman has been finalized for the music score. The film will be produced and directed by Bharatbala and co-produced by Walt Disney.

Courtesy: galatta.com

Disney buys N American rights for TZP

In a first of its kind deal, Walt Disney has bought home video rights of Taare Zameen Par for the North American market. This is the first time an international studio has bought the video rights of an Indian film.

Disney, which inked the deal with UTV Motion Pictures that holds the overseas rights of the Aamir Khan-starrer, paid Rs 7 crore for the video rights.

"Disney as a brand has association with family and children. They have seen Taare Zameen Par as content that has a brand fit. Also, the film is being seen as one of the classics of recent times. Despite it not being a conventional NRI fare, the film has done very well in the overseas market, especially in North America," said Siddharth Roy Kapoor of UTV Motion Pictures.

Taare Zameen Par was released in December 2007 and became a critical as well as commercial success. The film, starring Darsheel Safary and Aamir Khan, was hailed for its sensitivity and it grossed in the range of Rs 100 crore worldwide.

Disney had earlier entered into a co-production tie-up with Yash Raj Films to produce the animation venture Roadside Romeo . Sony has entered into a three-film co-production deal with PNC. Indian films obtained official remake rights of Italian Job .

Warner Bros is producing Akshay Kumar-starrer Chandni Chowk To China . Each of these deals are only facilitating industry to industry contact at various levels.

Courtesy: timesofindia.com

Shriya may not act in Marmayogi

It looks like Shriya may not be able to act in Kamal Haasan's Marmayogi owing to her extremely busy schedules. Marmayogi is directed and produced by Kamal Haasan, who also plays the protagonist. Many were considered for the role of the heroine, Shriya being one among them.

While speaking on this matter, Shriya said that she is really happy and excited about her name being discussed for Marmayogi, and like all heroines of Kollywood, she too wants to act alongside Kamal Haasan. She said if she gets to act in Marmayogi, she would achieve the status of having acted with the “Twin Stalwarts” of Kollywood, as she has already acted with Rajinikanth in Sivaji. But Shriya said she is afraid this will not take place as she already has her hands full, juggling with films in Tamil, Hindi, and English (Kanthaswamy in Tamil; Ek and Mission Istanbul in Hindi; The Other End of the Line and What is cooking? in English). She had also signed up a film with Dhanush long ago, the shooting of which will begin in December.

She is not confident that she would be able to accept Marmayogi or any other film at present. She quipped she is looking for a miracle to happen which will enable her to act in Marmayogi despite her overloaded call sheet.

Courtesy: galatta.com

Dasavatharam reignites Kamal

KAMAL HAASAN, who cast his spell on viewers with his ten different avatars in Dasavatharam,Now, has a dream. It is seeing all the Hollywood and European actors coming down to India and receive a big award from the Indian public.

"Indian and Chinese population together amounts to one third of the world’s population.I hope that day is not far away," said the actor.

He was in Hyderabad along with director KS Ravikumar as part of the promotional campaign of the film. Now Dasavatharamis over.


Now he sets his eyes on his next avatar,Marmayogi his next project.His new makeover sporting beard tells one that he has already got into the mood.

Some of the interesting aspects he shared: First compliment you received It’s from my guru Balachandar. I don’t want to make it public. It’s bigger than any award or reward for us.

Even make up guru Michael Westmore told me that cash boxes will keep ringing like the films of Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise. I told him though it is not true, it sounds good to listen.

Which role did you like among ten different roles? Is it right to ask a mother such question? The simple but yet difficult role in the film is Govindaraju. Because he is always on the run.

Inspiration for the film Dasavatharam It didn’t happen in one or two years. It’s decades of work. If you analyse Balaram Nadar character in the film, the dialogues evolved over a period of time.

The world is interconnected.You can’t say there is no connection between one and the other though they happen in different locations.

Do you know I am the descendant of Ashoka the Great?Can you tell us where did you make mistakes in the film? We did make mistakes.Are you asking a magician to show where the rabbit is. You can’t open the door before you get dressed up.Those are the things not to be made public.

Does the characters in the film have similarities of Vishnu’s Dasavatharas? Yes.You can relate. Investigator Balaram Nadar character can be likened to Balarama avatar which is investigative in nature. Japanese character Shingan Narahashi can be likened to that of Narasimhavathara because he surfaces from nowhere. Fletcher can be regarded as Kalki.

Any apprehensions about the possible failure of the film in the beginning? In the beginning we had. But after the first three shots of 12th century sequences there was nothing like that. I and director used to shoot for few sequences and pat each other.

Your comment on the suit in the court We were sued that the film has sequnces stamping Bhagavadgita and Om. Did you find any such sequences. We kept quiet hoping that the law would help us. It did.

Where does Dasavatharamstand in your career graph? It collected the biggest revenues in my career.It has created much hype. Now the problem is I have to live up to that hype.

What inspiration for the impressive Japanese character? I aspired to learn Japanese martial art Aikidi.And this is inspiration for the Shingan Narahashi character in the film.

Your take on Oscar awards? They are meant for American films.They view it as competition between the US and the rest of the world. If we send our film to Oscars, at the best we may get the best foreign film award. So If I have to get an Oscar it will be for an American film.

Your foray into politics? It’s not at all in my agenda. I can only see my next project Marmayogi Interesting facts about Kamala Haasan Kamal speaks Telugu but can’t write and read.He has more fans in Andhra Pradesh than in Tamil Nadu. He knows Sri Sri’s Mahaprasthanam by heart. He is a good poet and can recite the verses of some of the Telugu poets.

With the film’s impressive show at BO, the actor is hoping to complete his dream project Marudanayagam.But the project will take off after his Marmayogi. ‘‘We are humbled by the success of the film.

As the film runs in the sixth century backdrop of a topless society the film’s crew are clueless about the kind of costumes to be worn.

We can’t show as it is. I believe we will have to take cinematic liberties,’’ signs off the actor.

Courtesy:newindpress.com

Kamal’s next beautiful villain

Dasavatharam, Kamal’s magnum opus is ready for release and the hardcore workaholic that he is, he is already into his next project tentatively tiled Marma Yogi. This film will be co-produced by Bharath Bala in association with Walt Disney pictures. There are already many speculations about the story line and the cast of the film.

During the audio launch of Dasavatharam, Kamal had mentioned that his next project is going to have Bollywood actress Hema Malini in a pivotal role. The rumors that are going round the industry is that seasoned actress will be playing the role of a villain. If that is the case Tamil cine goers are going to have beautiful experience of watching a villain.

Courtesy: behindwoods.com

Awesome foursome for Kamal

Kamal Haasan's forthcoming film 'Marmayogi', to be produced jointly by Walt Disney and Bharat Bala, will go to floors very soon.

Buzz is that Kamal Haasan is planning to do the movie in four different languages - Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi.


Sources say the movie pertains to incident that occurs in seventh century.

Meanwhile, Kamal Haasan's 'Dasavadharam' will be released this May. Featuring him in 10 different roles, the movie produced by Oscar Ravichandran has musical score by Himesh-Reshammiya.

Courtesy: Indiaglitz.com

Kamal's 'Marmayogi'

Well, he just cant rest. Can he? Even before his magnum opus 'Dasavadharam' is released Kamalhaasan is said to have started pre-production activities for his next 'Marmayogi'. The Film being made in a budget of 120 cr is a multi-lingual releasing in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi. Asin is roped in as the heroine of the film. The film is said to be based on a 7th century incident . film.

This is not the first time Kamal is using M G R's film title. Marma Yogi is also an old MGR flick, known as the first Tamil movie to receive an 'A' certificate in 1951. Kamal has earlier used M G R film's title 'Sathi Leelavathi'.

Walt Disney Pictures and Baratbala Productions jointly produce this mega venture. A R Rahman scores the music.

Courtesy: chennaionline.com

Daddy’s girl out to prove herself

EVEN as he is busy with the release of his Tamil film Dasavatharam, Kamal Haasan has started work on his next project Marmayogi that is set in the seventh century.

To be made in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Malayalam, his fourth directorial film is being produced by Walt Disney Productions in collaboration with Bharatbala Productions and Adlabs. Also starring Hema Malini, it has music by AR Rahman.

Meanwhile, the numero uno actor will be seen in 10 diverse roles in Dasavatharam that is set for release in April. Asin and Mallika Sherawat are the female leads, with music by Himesh Reshammiya.


What was amazing to see was that despite being tied up with work, the superstar made a fleeting visit to Mumbai recently to be with his elder daughter.

Shruti Haasan performed at Mumbai’s Hard Rock Cafe during the launch of Rolling Stone magazine, where she belted out her own compositions.

She is also making her acting debut in a Tamil film, being directed by Nishikant Kamat and starring Madhavan. That's one proud father all out to support his daughter in her attempt to prove her talent.

Courtesy: newindpress.com

Ash, Abhishek in a Disney film?

After increasing its stake in the UTV-promoted television channel, Hungama, Walt Disney is all set to make an entry into the Hindi film industry. And their first project seems to be already underway.

Sources inform Gullu that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan had a long meeting with Disney officials two weeks ago, and they have decided to make a film with her. It will be directed by Mani Ratnam, and may also star Abhishek Bachchan

Ever since Mani Ratnam's brother, G Srinivasan, died in an accident, his production house, Madras Talkies, has been lying low. Guru (with Aishwarya and Abhishek) was the last film to be produced by Madras Talkies.

Mani Ratnam has never ventured out of his family's production house after it was formed. But now, it seems, he is keen to work with Disney and UTV.

The untitled film for which the script is being worked out will begin at the end of this year, and will release next year.

Courtesy: Rediff.com

Disney to produce “Marmayogi”

It looks like Kamal Haasan has finally zeroed in on a producer for his next project “Marmayogi.” The big budget venture is to be coproduced by Hollywood’s Walt Disney Productions and India’s Bharat Bala Productions. The film will be simultaneously produced in Tamil, Hindi and English.

“Marmayogi,” a historical story set in the seventh century, is to be directed by the versatile actor himself with music by maestro A.R. Rahman. The rest of the cast and crew have yet to be finalized. However, yesteryear-Bollywood actress Hemamalini is playing an important role in this film. Sources say that Asin, who is currently paired with Kamal in his movie Dashaavtaram, will also play the leading lady in this film as well.

To kick start the project, Kamal Haasan plans to go to the U.S. in a few days to discuss production details. He is planning to shoot a major part of the film in the exotic locations of Thailand. The film is to be announced by February and will start shooting very soon.

Reportedly, the film is a remake of the 1951 MGR-Anjali Devi flick of the same name. It is based on the novel “Vendetta: The Story of One Forgotten,” written by Marie Corelli in 1886.

The film is said to be budgeted at 120 crores, making it the most expensive Indian film ever made. However, it might face stiff competition since the title from the recently announced Rajinikanth movie “Robot” is also said to cost 120 crores.

It should be noted that both Rajni and Kamal respectively started their movies “Sivaji” and “Dasavatharam” almost at the same time with the same claim. While “Sivaji,” which was released last June, went on to become a record-breaking blockbuster, “Dashaavtaram” is still under production and is expected to hit the screens in time for Tamil New Year.

Courtesy: Indianewengland.com

Kamal & Rajini – A new battle of grandeur

With Dasavatharam all set to hit the marquee in the month of April 2008, announcement on Kamal’s next project has snuck its way to the media. Going by the details of it, looks like Kamal is all set for another mammoth venture right after his ten-role act in Dasavatharam.

Titled Marmayogi, the movie is said to be produced by renowned Hollywood production house Walt Disney pictures for a whopping budget of Rs. 100 crores – not quite known to Tamil cinema yet. Walt Disney has roped in Bharath Bala of Vande Matharam fame for the production management of Marmayogi.

It’s a clash which has been going on for decades, but now it seems like the battle of grandeur and production scale between two superstars of Tamil film industry – Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, is getting to its peak. When Rajinikanth signed up a 60 crore project Sivaji, Kamal finalized the even bigger Dasavatharam. Now with the former again coming up with the announcement of Robot, touted to be financially the biggest project to be conceived in Indian film industry, jointly produced by Eros International and Ayangaran, the latter takes his dream to the next level. Perhaps the celluloid greats are really thinking bigger and higher.

Coming back to Marmayogi, the movie will be produced in four Indian languages - Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, and Telugu - simultaneously. Although the rest of the cast are being finalized, credible sources strongly suggest that Asin stands a bright chance to bag the role of Kamal’s lead lady. Hemamalini, who was last seen in Kamal’s Hey Ram, is also rumored to be a part of the venture.

Earlier, Kamal tantalized his fans with only a teaser trailer of his dream venture Marudanayagam, an epic tale of one of the lesser known freedom fighters. Kamal even screened the trailer to the Queen of England during her Indian visit. However, for reasons ranging from budget to time consuming research, Marudanayagam could not take off and was eventually shelved. Now, Marmayogi, as the names suggests, is expected to have a historical backdrop and has hence raised the bar among his fans.

Dasavatharam is in its final stage of production and Kamal will participate in the initial discussions of Marmayogi after Dasavatharam is wrapped up completely.

So will Marmayogi serve enough Marudanayagam-fodder to eager Kamal fans? Watch this space for more updates.

Courtesy: Behindwoods.com

Kamal Haasan to join forces with Disney for Marma Yogi

Tamil actor Kamal Haasan will now join forces with the Walt Disney Productions, who are slated to produce his forthcoming film Marma Yogi (Mysterious Saint).

Walt Disney Productions, which recently tied up with Yash Raj Films for a full-length animated feature called Roadside Romeo, wanted to expand its operations across the country.

According to sources, this spectacle will be co-produced by Bharath Bala, who was responsible for Vande Mataram, the first patriotic music video by A. R. Rahman. The new collaboration will also see Kamal Haasan and A. R. Rahman coming together after a long gap.

The film, which is said to be directed by Kamal Haasan will be his fourth directorial venture. It is a period drama, set in the seventh century, which will also feature him in the lead role. Hema Malini, who worked with Kamal in Hey Ram and Asin, and who is casted opposite him in Dasavadharam, has been roped in to play key role.

Co-incidentally, Marma Yogi is the title of one of MGR's legendary blockbusters, which is known to be the first Tamil film to receive an 'A' certificate at the time of its release in 1951. This is the second time that Kamal has adopted the title of an MGR film (after Sathi Leelavathi of 1936). The new film, which is touted to be the most expensive Tamil film, has an astronomical budget of Rs 90 crore.

Kamal will shortly go to the US to discuss the production of this film, which is slated to be shot in Thailand and the actor plans to start shooting for this film in February.

Courtesy: Televisionpoint.com

Walt Disney collaborates with Kamal

Kamal Hassan will start his next historical action thriller Marmayogi with the collaboration of Walt Disney by the third week of February. Bharath Bala is the co producer for this mega venture. At present, the actor is busy in the post production cum CG work of his much expected Dasavatharam directed by KS Ravikumar.

All work is expected to complete by the end of March and the audio launch of the film also will be held in the same month. Meanwhile, sources close to Kamal say that the actor wanted to start the work of his next movie Marmayogi, before the audio launch of Dasavatharam.


Directed by Kamal himself, the film was initially planned for Bharath Bala's banner. But later Walt Disney, the legendary Hollywood film production house, which is already stepped in to India (collaborating with Yash Raj Films on Roadside Romeo) has shown interest in a joint venture with Kamal Hassan.

Very recently Kamal made a trip to Thailand to find out suitable locations for Marmayogi. The shooting for the film begins by the third week of February. Following that, he has gone to the US for more pre-production work. He is also going to talk Walt Disney.

There are three heroines in the script and the actor already has signed with Hema Malini and Asin. He is searching a suitable face for the third lead. AR Rehman scores the music for Marmayogi. Apart from this Kamal requested the maestro to do the background music for Dasavatharam and the same has also beem accepted by Rehman.

Regarding this project, Kamal said: "I am immersed in my next film, Marmayogi, a bilingual period film in Hindi and Tamil, set in the seventh century. It will be the biggest film made in Tamil and it is being scripted and directed by me"

Courtesy: OneIndia.in